I was so traumatised I started screaming in a horrible metal public bathroom in a car park in Sandwich

Karen Rubins-Lawrie

"At my worst I'd hold on until I was in pain. I have a phobia of being sick too so that's particularly traumatising when clinging to a toilet bowl.

"On one occasion, I was so traumatised I started screaming in a horrible metal public bathroom in a car park in Sandwich, Kent."

The Brighton resident has been scared of toilets since she was a child, and it resulted in her frequently wetting herself as a child so she didn't have to use the toilet.

Karen said: "As a child, I used to have accidents – especially on holiday – simply because I was too scared to use the toilet," she said. "It's an awful thing to be afraid of because there's no getting away from it.

"The toilet facilities at many of my jobs have left a lot to be desired, but I have no choice but to use them.

As well as unclean or broken toilets, Karen struggles with metal ones or those lit with UV lights. Her own toilet – which she endeavours to keep clean – is the only one she rarely has problems with.

Over the years, she has learned to manage her phobia, and has worked with charity Anxiety UK to raise awareness of how debilitating phobias can be.

Karen now uses simple tricks like counting to calm herself down and take her mind off her anxiety. She explained: "I generally just have to keep reminding myself that in a minute or two I'll be out of there.

"Sometimes I try and only go in public toilets if other people are in them too so I'm not alone and that makes me feel less afraid.

"I've never had any treatment to cure my phobia. I think I've just calmed down over the years because I've had to.

"I've used some pretty horrific, dirty, noisy toilets in my time, I feel like I can accomplish almost any bathroom now. I could even use a portaloo if I absolutely had to.

"I've learned not to let it govern my life, although I do worry about toilet breaks. If I spot a nice one I'll go just so I don't have to go to a horrible one later on."

PA REAL LIFE

The Brighton resident has been scared of toilets since she was a child

It's not just this chronic phobia causing Karen misery, she also suffers from fibromyalgia, a condition that causes pain all over the body.

Is the first to admit that she understands people may find her fears amusing, but is speaking out in a bid to reach those also battling unusual phobias.